Research methods - correlations

What is a correlation in research?

A correlation measures the relationship or association between two variables, showing whether and how strongly they are related

What does a positive correlation mean?

As one variable increases, the other variable also increases

What does a negative correlation mean?

As one variable increases, the other variable decreases

What does a zero correlation mean?

There is no relationship between the two variables

Can correlation show cause and effect?

No, correlation cannot prove causation; it only shows that two variables are related

What is a scattergram used for?

A scattergram (or scatterplot) is used to graphically display the relationship between two variables in a correlation

What is the correlation coefficient?

A numerical value between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of a correlation

What does a correlation coefficient of +1 indicate?

A perfect positive correlation

What does a correlation coefficient of -1 indicate?

A perfect negative correlation

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 indicate?

No correlation between the variables

Name two types of correlation coefficients used in psychology

Pearson’s r (for parametric data) and Spearman’s rho (for ordinal or non-parametric data)